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Anti-HFMD claims BASELESS

Several complaints to the Ministry of Health has been made recently against a product known as Thymos. This product is made from “activated minerals” and is marketed as an external spray that protects against Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and influenza.

On the label of the product, it claims to “instantly kill 99.99%” of the viruses that cause HFMD and influenza. It furthermore claims that it can provide protection to surfaces that it has been sprayed on for up to 10 days.

The claims are not based on scientific evidence and Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the Director-General of Health, Malaysia issued a statement on 8th August 2018 that “as of now, the company has made baseless anti-HFMD claims, because there is no strong evidence showing that the product is as effective as claimed”.

“However, since the product is marketed as disinfecting and protection spray to be used on surfaces such as toys, the does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.”

The Director-General of Health also added that “the ministry would like to remind the public not to easily believe the medical claims made by this product. Instead, they are advised to practise good hygiene, hand washing, screening at nurseries and kindergartens, ensure clean surroundings and disinfect contaminated surfaces”.

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